Displaced Workers, Continuing The Story: The Experiences Of Displacement, Community College, And The New Work Force

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of the workers who have been displaced, transitioned to community college where they earned a degree, and then joined the new work force. Specifically, the research explored how the participants’ identities were affected with each transition and how each transition was successfully negotiated. Previous studies have examined the numerical data associated with displacement. Only a few studies have included qualitative data. This qualitative study filled a gap by striving to expose a more personal story from three displaced workers in a rural county in western North Carolina. Two semi-structured interviews with each candidate allowed the researcher a glimpse into the lived experiences of each participant. The application of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis allowed for a case-by-case and a cross-case analysis which yielded eight emergent themes. The results can be used by community college employees who work with non-traditional students and other community resource personnel who assist displaced workers. The findings also contribute to the growing body of literature about student identity of non-traditional students. Future research might seek to understand the experiences of displaced workers and other non-traditional students who did not complete the community college degree.